He touched her lips. “Don’t even apologize. When that little guy comes, it will be all worth it.”
“Sweet encouragement. But, when she comes, I know I’ll agree.” Sydney stacked the pillows behind her to get comfortable.
Noah playfully punched her on the shoulder. Ever since Sydney’s pregnancy, they had been engaged in a friendly battle over the baby’s sex. Noah was convinced it was a boy.
“Are you planning on telling the church yet?” Excitement shone in his eyes.
Sydney shook her head. “My mother warned me not to say anything until I’m well into the second trimester.” Besides, if Alma Shaw heard about the baby, she’d start in on Sydney about quitting her job like a proper first lady. Sydney respected Alma, especially since both she and Deacon Shaw had left Beulah when they fired Noah and joined their ministry. Noah and Lance had started Second Sons Ministry with a focus on televangelism.
They had close to two hundred thousand followers.
“Oh, yeah,” Noah said. “I was so busy with the board meeting, I forgot to ask what your parents said when you told them our news.”
Sydney smiled. She’d made a special trip to Cape Coral to meet her parents for dinner. “Both Mom and Dad were thrilled. They are already making plans for their first grandchild.” She felt so blessed to have two parents. All her life, she’d grown up with just her mother, thinking her father was dead. But, her mother had confessed that Irving Richardson, her father, was very much alive. The two had reconnected on a social networking website and were approaching their second year of marriage. Noah had performed their ceremony.
“I wish I could’ve been there.”
“You had to handle church business. They’re coming up on Thursday to go with me to the obstetrician. We can do lunch then.”
Noah often spent Thursdays preparing his sermon and overseeing the sound and lighting systems for when they went on the air Saturday morning. They were using a storefront on US 41 until their building was ready. They had purchased a lot near Northport.
Noah reached for his iPad from the nightstand nearby. He kept that and his iPhone in arm’s reach at all times. He pulled up his calendar. “I can do lunch Thursday. I’ll see if Gramps is available as well.”
“Gramps should definitely come, too.” Sydney clapped her hands. “I can’t wait for Thursday to get here. Dr. Wachowski should be doing an ultrasound. We’ll get a picture of our baby.”
“It’s amazing how far technology has come that you can see a 3D picture of the baby from the womb. When we see the things man can do, it proves scripture is true.”
Sydney looked at her husband. “What do you mean?”
“God said He knows us from even before we were formed in our mother’s womb.”
“Oh.” Sydney didn’t really follow. Her mind had shifted to baser topics. She reached up to play in her husband’s hair.
Noah grabbed her hand and kissed the inside of her palm. He whispered, “I can’t explain the joy I feel. You’re giving me a family.”
Sydney pulled his face toward hers for a kiss. “I’m blessed to have an anointed man who hears from God.”
8
Portia Hendricks ran into the bathroom and leaned against the full-length mirror. She punched her fists against the glass. “Breathe. Breathe,” she said, fanning herself. “You’re a professional. You can do this.” She looked into the mirror and saw that she was cheesing. “Take that stupid smile off your face,” she told herself.
A gorgeous man had walked into the office and introduced himself as Nathaniel Lyons. Portia had taken one look at him and excused herself to the restroom. She never lost her composure, but Nathaniel Lyons was beautiful. “Oh my, his arms are massive. They’re like two of mine.” Portia gave herself a firm talking to. “Portia Hendricks, you’re the legal secretary for Sydney Charleston, soon to be, next partner of The Welchman Group. Get yourself together. Act professional and get back out there.” She opened the bathroom door and walked back to her desk, hoping he was gone.
No such luck. He stood waiting. He smiled like he knew what he was doing to her. Portia puffed her chest. “I’m so sorry,” she breathed, “I had a quick emergency.”
He laughed and extended his hand. “Let’s try again. My name’s Nathaniel Lyons. I’m here for my interview.”
The bass in his voice created shivers on her insides. “It’s deep,” Portia said, as she shook his hand. She felt a slight tremor travel up her arm.
“Excuse me?”
Portia cleared her throat. Had she said that aloud? “Have a seat, please,” she commanded, pretending she hadn’t heard his question. He nodded and sauntered to sit in one of the armchairs. The view from back there was just as distracting. Goodness. Portia wiped her eyebrows. She was not going to survive this fineness.
Portia stood and strolled down the other end of the hall. Seeing Emily Reese, she gave a slight wave. “Emily, your three o’clock interview is here.”
Emily Reese was a petite redhead, with startling green eyes, a ready smile and loud voice. Portia felt her cheeks redden when Emily asked, “Are you all right? You looked flushed.”
She beckoned for Emily to lower her voice and whispered, “Yes, I’m okay. I’ll send Mr. Lyons back.”
“Okay.” Emily crooked her head. “Are you sure you’re okay? We don’t need you passing out or anything. Turn up the AC.”
“No, I’m fine.” Portia gritted her teeth.
He must have heard Emily. She just knew Nathaniel had heard Emily’s booming voice. She was so loud, even the deaf would hear her. Sure enough, the grin on his face told it all. Portia pursed her lips. The man knew he was fine. She lifted her chin. “Mr. Lyons, please follow me.” She turned without waiting to see if he followed.
She felt his body close behind hers. He was doing that on purpose. Portia fumed and stopped short. Nathaniel bumped into her. Portia held her breath as strong arms circled her waist.
“Easy now,” he said, mere inches from her ear.
He smelled like the sea and outdoors. Portia removed his hands from her body. “I’m okay.” She refused to make eye contact and ushered him into Emily’s office.
Nathaniel was interviewing for Jack’s old spot. Portia smiled, thinking of Jack Green. They had dated for a few months until he moved away to care for his ailing mother. He hadn’t wanted their relationship to end, but Portia couldn’t do the long distance thing. Any distance over thirty minutes was too far for her.
Portia returned to her desk and looked at the screen. She had enrolled at Florida Gulf Coast University at Jack’s urging and was on her way to finally completing her bachelor’s degree. Portia had been eighteen credits short when she dropped out of college. Both Jack and her boss Sydney had seen her potential. They had encouraged her to get back into school. She took their advice and was now taking online classes full time.
Portia was busy reading online when Sydney walked in. “How was court today?” she asked. Sydney gestured for Portia to follow her into her office. Portia grabbed her notepad.
“Put that down,” Sydney ordered, “You won’t need it. I have something to tell you.”
Portia leaned forward. Sydney wasn’t only the best boss of her life; she was also a dear friend. Portia had been the maid-of-honor at her and Noah’s wedding eight months prior at the Renaissance Vinoy in Tampa. “What’s going on?”
Sydney opened her mouth to speak and started laughing.
Her laughter was contagious. Portia joined in, even though she didn’t know what was up. “Okay, stop laughing.” She covered her face with her hand. “I feel silly laughing when I don’t know the punch line.”
“I’m pregnant.”
“Whoo hoo!” Portia threw her hands in the air. She gave Sydney a hug. “I’m so happy for you. You and Noah deserve this. I was worried when you found out he used to be a White supremacist, but your love has been strong enough to survive his past. You’re both going to be good parents and since he’s a pastor, you know your ba
by is blessed.” Portia knew she rambled but she was overjoyed for her boss-friend. “How far along are you? When are you due?”
Sydney leaned back in her chair. “I have an appointment this evening with Dr. Wachowski so I’ll tell you when I find out.”
“You’d better call me.” She eyed Sydney’s stilettos. “I hope you know you’re going to have to give those up.”
“Don’t get all bossy on me,” Sydney warned. Closing her eyes, Sydney leaned back in the comfortable leather chair. “I’m not going to give up my shoes. I draw the line at that.”
“Heels are not good for pregnant women. They shift your womb.”
“Portia, if Beyoncé and Jessica Simpson survived pregnancy in their six-inch heels, I know I’ll be just fine.”
Portia pursed her lips, but didn’t argue. She made a mental note to talk to Noah about that and to purchase Sydney some sensible shoes. Sydney entrusted her with her Amex card, and Portia had no qualms using it to help her boss. She would come around.
“You’re not saying anything,” Sydney opened her eyes. “I know what that means. Portia, I mean it. Don’t touch my shoes.”
Portia opened the door to exit Sydney’s office. She spotted Nathaniel walking her way and closed the door. She put a hand on her chest.
Sydney eyed her. “What’s the matter with you? You’re not acting like yourself.”
Portia had forgotten her boss was present. She’d been more concerned about avoiding Nathaniel to think straight.
“Ah…nothing.” She leaned against the door and closed her eyes, swallowing slowly.
Sydney’s eyes narrowed. “Who’s out there?”
There was a light tap on the door. Portia moved away from the door and opened it slowly. The partners stood there. Nathaniel towered behind them. She frowned at his ingratiating grin. Lifting her chin, she stepped aside and allowed the four people to enter Sydney’s office.
“Sydney Charleston, I would like to introduce Nathaniel Lyons. He’s Jack’s replacement and comes highly recommended. Graduated top of his class.” Bob Griffiths preened. “We’re pleased to have another African-American attorney join our firm.”
Sydney pushed her feet into her shoes and walked over to greet Nathaniel. He raised an eyebrow. There was no mistaking the interest in his eyes. Portia felt a small nudge of jealousy. Sydney was gorgeous and happily married. Nathaniel didn’t stand a chance. Portia walked out to return to the schoolwork prominently displayed on her desktop.
A few minutes later, she heard a throat clear. She could smell him before she saw him. Portia turned away from the computer to face him with a wide smile. “Yes, sir?”
“Sir?” Nathaniel stepped back. “Please. Call me Nathaniel. Sir is reserved for my father.”
It was impossible not to succumb to his obvious charm. This time, she gave him a genuine smile. “Okay, Nathaniel. What can I do for you?”
“Ah, I was told you’re the person I needed to see to get me situated in my office?” He posed the statement as a question.
Portia shook her head. “I’m Sydney’s personal secretary. I work for her. You might want to see Emily Reese.” She motioned down the hall.
Nathaniel tapped his chin. “But, Sydney said…” He trailed off. “Well, maybe I misunderstood.”
“No, you got it right.”
Portia’s mouth popped open. Did she just hear right? Her boss was offering up her services without giving her an option? Sydney had never done that before. She didn’t share Portia, ever. How could Sydney do this?
Portia was loyal to Sydney. She’d turned down bribes and sweet offers from the other partners to work with Sydney. Exclusively.
But here Sydney was sharing.
“I knew you wouldn’t mind. I offered your assistance because I remembered how you were a big help to Jack. Nathaniel is new here, so... Plus, your salary just doubled and your title just changed.” She snapped her fingers.
“Thank you so much for thinking of me,” Portia said. She knew Sydney felt she had just done her a big favor, but Portia wasn’t thrilled. She had too much of a crush on Nathaniel Lyons to be any good to him.
“If it’s too much trouble…” Nathaniel paused. “I can do it myself.”
Portia shook her head. If she said it was too much, she would seem inefficient. “No, no, Nathaniel. Leave it all to me. I’ll have you set up in no time.”
“Welcome, Nathaniel. You’re in good hands. Portia is the best there is,” Sydney said before leaving the two alone.
“I see that already.” Nathaniel scanned her from head to toe and strutted into his office.
Portia stood there. She knew she was blushing. If she weren’t so dark, he would know it. As sure as the sun was shining, she knew she’d been marked by a predator… a lion. Her sweaty palms and rising body temperature told her she didn’t stand a chance.
Portia wobbled over to his office. With one brave step, she entered the Lyons den.
9
Sydney and Noah sat side by side in the beige chairs of the doctor’s office, waiting for the nurse to call their names. Dr. Wachowski was behind schedule due to an emergency delivery earlier that day. Sydney wrapped her legs under Noah’s and held his hands. She was giddy with excitement at becoming a mother for the first time. She glanced at her watch. Her parents should be arriving any—
“Irving, Janine, you made it!” Noah got to his feet to greet his in-laws.
“Hi, Noah, how are you?” Irving returned the solicitation but his eyes pinned on Sydney. She smiled at her dad.
“Sydney!” Janine exclaimed. She held out her hands with a huge smile.
Sydney lunged into her mother’s arms. The two hugged, laughed and rocked back and forth for several seconds.
Finally, Janine released her. “Let me look at you. I can’t believe you’re having a baby. My baby is having a baby.”
Sydney gripped her mother’s hands. The two sat to catch up on Sydney’s pregnancy.
“Sydney Charleston? Hi, my name’s Angie. I’ll be your nurse. Please come with me.” The chipper nurse left the door open and kept talking. “Dr. Wachowski will be in after we get you ready. Did you drink enough water?” Sydney picked up her purse and followed. She crooked her head for Noah to join her.
She nodded. “My bladder is about to explode.” She patted her tummy for emphasis. “Can my family come?”
“Sure,” Angie chirped. “Let’s get you ready first and then your entourage can follow.”
“Okay,” Sydney chuckled. She felt her bag buzz and took out her cell phone. It was Portia begging for an update. She’d answer later. Sydney powered down her cell phone and dropped it into her bag.
Angie took her to the into the ultrasound room. It was large enough to accommodate her family. Once Sydney was situated in her gown and blanket, Angie said she’d get the doctor and another blanket.
“Thanks so much.” Sydney shivered. For some reason, exam rooms were always chilly. She wrapped the blanket around her as she waited.
Noah kissed her on the forehead.
“How are you?” The doctor greeted upon entrance. Angie wrapped the other blanket across her feet.
Sydney smiled. “I’m doing okay…a little anxious.”
“That’s normal,” the doctor said. “Now, try to relax.”
The doctor applied gel on her stomach and performed the ultrasound. Within seconds, Sydney and Noah saw a clear picture of their fetus.
“My baby,” Sydney bawled. Tears ran down her face. Her heart expanded at the sight. Thank you, Lord. Thank you.
“Wow.” Noah’s mouth hung open. “That looks more like a photograph of an actual human being.”
“That’s because it is,” Dr. Wachowski said. “Technology has come a long way. No more fuzzy gray pictures.” The doctor squinted and leaned forward. He shifted the device this way and that across her abdomen.
“Is something wrong?” She twisted her body to look at the screen.
“What is it? What do you see?�
� Noah asked.
“Sydney, I need you to keep still.” Dr. Wachowski said. He turned the camera away to take several pictures. Angie moved closer to scrutinize the screen.
Noah and Sydney looked at each other. Sydney began crying. “What’s happening, Noah? I’m scared.”
Dr. Wachowski whispered something to Angie.
“What’s going on, Doctor?” Noah demanded. “Please tell us something.”
“I’ll meet with you in a few minutes,” Dr. Wachowski said and left the room.
Angie addressed Sydney. “Why don’t you get dressed? I’ll take you to his office when he’s ready.”
Once she departed, Noah enfolded Sydney in his arms. Sydney’s body shook. “Something’s wrong,” she said.
“Shhh… You don’t know that for sure. Let’s wait until we hear and not jump to any conclusions.” Noah uttered a prayer.
Sydney needed to see her parents. She dressed and tugged Noah out of the examination room. Gramps was also there.
“What’s going on?” Janine inquired. “We thought we would get to see the baby…”
Sydney twisted her fingers. “Something’s wrong, Mom. I’m scared.”
Janine hugged her. “Don’t get yourself worked up until you know what’s going on.”
Gramps gave Noah a brief hug. “C’mon, son. Don’t forget your roots. God is on your side.”
Angie returned to fetch Sydney and Noah. She led them to the doctor’s office. Sydney clutched Noah’s hands, needing human contact.
“Hi, Sydney and Noah. I wanted to meet and talk with you because, for one thing, you’re further along than you suspected. You’re actually about nine weeks pregnant.”
Noah’s eyes widened.
Sydney’s mouth popped open. “Oh, but, I had a period.”
“Yes, that can happen, but judging from the size and weight…” Dr. Wachowski gestured a so-so movement with his hands. “You’re definitely nine to ten weeks pregnant with an approximate delivery date of December twelfth.” Before Sydney could process that, the doctor continued. His voice was low and grave. “I’ve no way of being one-hundred percent sure, but I saw some fluid on the back of your baby’s neck, which makes you a high risk for Trisomy 21.”
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